Jason Burgos
After trading star cornerback Trent McDuffie last week, a perfect option to replace him just fell into the Kansas City Chiefs’ lap.
This has been an interesting last few weeks for the Chiefs. They entered the offseason with no cap space, but freed up a boatload by restructuring the contract of top star Patrick Mahomes. With that extra cash, they made a big splash in free agency by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and bringing back team great Travis Kelce.
However, they also had a major departure when they agreed on a blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Rams that sent All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to LA in exchange for a first, fifth, and sixth-round pick in next month’s NFL Draft, and as a third-rounder in 2027.
While the Chiefs would have loved to hold on to the 21st overall pick in the 2022 draft, they knew they would not be able to give him the money he was aiming for in his next contract. It now leaves a sizable hole in the secondary that the team can try to fill with some emerging internal options.
They could also go after a topic cornerback prospect with one of their two first-round picks in April. However, another interesting option that may be an even better fit just hit NFL free agency. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Tennessee Titans informed cornerback L’Jarius Sneed they will be releasing him on Friday.
Should Kansas City Chiefs target a reunion with L’Jarius Sneed?
Sneed was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Chiefs and developed into a core member of a defense that played a major role in winning back-to-back Super Bowls. Oddly enough, just like McDuffie, the team knew they wouldn’t be able to give him the money he wanted in his next contract and traded him to the Titans two offseasons ago.
Sneed got a four-year, $76.4 million deal from the Titans in 2024. Unfortunately, injuries severely hampered his production, and he only suited up in 12 games over the last two seasons. Cutting the corner saves Tennessee over $11 million against its salary cap this year.
After a pair of injury-filled seasons, Sneed could be had at an affordable rate, and he may be willing to take a prove-it one-year deal. It makes sense for the Chiefs to target him, and for the 29-year-old to want a return to Kansas City to be reunited with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The man who helped make him a star and get the big contract he received two years ago.
